“Less is more with Kratom—when you respect the plant, take it slow, and really listen to your body, that’s when the real healing begins.”
— Christopher Deaney
In an era where chronic pain and mental health challenges are often addressed with pharmaceutical prescriptions, many are beginning to rediscover the power of plant-based remedies. One such remedy gaining rapid attention is Kratom—a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia with centuries of traditional medicinal use. At the forefront of this movement is Christopher Deaney, founder of Christopher’s Organic Botanicals. What started as a personal journey to find relief from chronic illness transformed into a passionate mission to educate others and provide safe, transparent access to high-quality Kratom. With a commitment to integrity and community, Christopher has become a trusted voice in the natural health space.
In this powerful and enlightening interview, Christopher sits down with Lisa Urbanski to demystify Kratom, discuss responsible usage, and break down the stigma surrounding plant-based medicine. From his own early missteps to customer success stories, Christopher offers an honest, informative, and deeply personal look into how this ancient botanical is changing lives. Whether you’re Kratom-curious, skeptical, or seeking holistic alternatives, this conversation offers clarity, empowerment, and a compelling case for exploring nature’s pharmacy.
Thank you so much for joining us, Christopher! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Thanks for having me, Lisa. My journey really started out of personal necessity. Back in 2016, I was dealing with chronic pain and a slew of health issues. I had been put on medication after medication, and I just felt worse—physically and emotionally. That’s when I came across Kratom. There wasn’t much science or structure around it then, just anecdotal evidence from farmers and users in Indonesia. I began experimenting with it myself because I needed to find an alternative. Over time, I felt a real shift—physically I felt better, more balanced. That personal experience inspired me to create Christopher’s Organic Botanicals, where we focus on providing high-quality, lab-tested Kratom and educating people on how to use it responsibly.
What was your initial experience with Kratom like?
It was a trial by fire. I had no guide, no dosage instructions—just curiosity and a need to feel better. One time I accidentally drank a super-concentrated mix I had made while experimenting with Kratom preparations. I thought it was my usual tea and ended up feeling incredibly nauseous. That’s when I realized how sensitive our bodies can be to dosage. From that point forward, I started paying close attention to how much I was taking, when I was taking it, and what my body was telling me. It taught me that with natural remedies, precision and patience matter a lot.
Why do you think there’s such hesitation around using natural remedies like Kratom?
It’s deeply rooted in cultural conditioning and lack of education. We’ve been trained to trust the pharmaceutical route because it’s what’s widely accepted and regulated. But if you look historically, there was a push—especially in the early 20th century—to suppress natural remedies. People often find it easier to take a prescribed pill, even if it comes with pages of side effects, rather than take the time to understand and experiment with a plant-based option. That fear is compounded by a lack of mainstream education and regulation around substances like Kratom. But as more people learn about it, I believe that mindset will shift.
How has Kratom been used traditionally in places like Southeast Asia?
In countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, Kratom is a staple in daily life. It’s been used for generations by laborers to boost energy, relieve pain, and manage ailments like diarrhea or coughing. Most families have a Kratom tree in their yard. It’s not seen as a drug—it’s viewed as a functional part of life and health. People chew the leaves or brew them into tea. That kind of cultural acceptance is what we’re still working toward in the West.
What makes Kratom so unique among other plant-based remedies?
Its complexity. Kratom contains over 50 alkaloids, and each one interacts with the body in different ways. That diversity is what gives it such a broad spectrum of effects—from pain relief and energy to mood enhancement. It’s not just a one-note remedy. The synergy of those compounds makes it incredibly potent when used properly. That’s why I always recommend people start with whole-leaf Kratom, not extracts or capsules. You want the full spectrum, not an isolated effect.
What are some best practices for someone trying Kratom for the first time?
Start slow. I can’t stress that enough. Begin with a small amount, preferably in tea form, and take it on a partially full stomach. Kratom on an empty stomach, especially in larger doses, can cause nausea. Also, avoid mixing it with other substances—medications, supplements, or energy drinks. Try to isolate it to understand how your body responds. As with anything new, give yourself time to find the right rhythm.
Can Kratom be safely combined with medications or other supplements?
It’s important to be cautious. I always tell people to consult with their doctor, but most doctors aren’t familiar with Kratom yet. What we do know is that mixing it with certain medications, especially opioids or antihistamines like Benadryl, can cause interactions. Even natural supplements can be unpredictable when combined. My advice is to try Kratom separately from other substances until you really understand how it works in your system. It’s about respect—respecting your body and the plant.
Are there particular habits that long-term Kratom users should adopt?
Yes, absolutely. First, take breaks. Tolerance can build quickly if you don’t give your body time to reset. I recommend at least one day off per week. Second, rotate your strains—switch between red, green, and white varieties to keep things effective. And third, always use moderation. I split my daily intake into four smaller doses, totaling around 20 grams. This helps me manage my pain without feeling dependent or overwhelmed. More isn’t better with Kratom—in fact, less is usually more.
What happens if someone takes too much Kratom?
Taking too much can lead to nausea, lethargy, and feeling overly sedated. For instance, if you double your usual dose—even of an energizing green strain—you could end up feeling like you need a nap. It’s not dangerous per se, but it’s unpleasant and unnecessary. That’s why I always say: start small, find your sweet spot, and don’t chase effects like you would with traditional drugs. This plant works best when you work with it, not against it.
What does the research say about Kratom’s safety and long-term use?
We’re just starting to see legitimate research come in from institutions like Johns Hopkins and the University of Florida. There’s also a dose-finding study from the FDA where participants took up to 12 grams with no significant adverse effects—just a bit of nausea from the volume. Anecdotally, we know people in Southeast Asia who’ve used Kratom for 50+ years with no issues. They chew the leaves or make tea, sticking to traditional methods. That seems to be the safest and most effective approach.
What should consumers look for when purchasing Kratom?
Transparency is critical. Look for vendors who lab test their products, provide clear dosing guidelines, and don’t make outrageous medical claims. Unfortunately, it’s still a gray market, so not every product labeled “Kratom” is actually quality Kratom. You want to see data—how much metragynine is in it, whether it’s free from contaminants, and that the vendor stands behind their product. I personally support businesses run by people who genuinely love and use the plant themselves.
Are there any red flags that buyers should watch out for?
Yes—steer clear of vendors making claims like “this will cure your cancer” or promising miracle results. Those are false and dangerous. Also avoid companies that pop up overnight and disappear within months. Look for established vendors with a proven history, a passion for advocacy, and a commitment to community education. Kratom isn’t a quick-fix miracle. It’s a tool—and it should be marketed and treated as such.
What does Kratom smell and taste like?
It’s earthy. That’s the best word for it. Some say it smells like matcha or dirt—it’s got that kind of deep, organic scent. The taste is very bitter, especially in its raw form. It’s not pleasant, but it’s natural, and over time, most users get used to it. If you walk into a room where Kratom is stored, you’ll smell it right away. There’s no mistaking it.
Where can people find your products and reach out with questions?
We’re online at christophersorganicbotanicals.com. We don’t sell through smoke shops, vape stores, or gas stations—we keep it personal. If someone wants to talk, they can call or text us at 609-202-6880 or 856-581-1265. We’re not doctors, but we’re here to walk people through the options and help them figure out what’s best for their needs.
What would you say to someone who’s still on the fence about trying Kratom?
Don’t rush it, but don’t fear it either. Take your time to learn, ask questions, and try small amounts. Be patient—it might take a few weeks to get into a rhythm. One guy I know sat on his free sample for six months before finally trying it. Once he did, he was blown away and said he wished he had started years ago. That story’s not rare. Sometimes taking a small chance can lead to a huge transformation.
Can you share a personal success story that touched you?
There was a guy who had been fighting various health issues for a decade. He was hesitant about Kratom, kept saying no despite being part of our community. Eventually, when doctors wanted to add more prescriptions, he finally gave Kratom a try. Within a few weeks, he found a routine that worked for him. Now he says he’s “living his best life.” That’s what this is all about—helping people reclaim their wellness in a sustainable way.
Any final tips for those beginning their Kratom journey?
Educate yourself. Don’t expect instant results. Stay consistent, start slow, and don’t give up just because the first cup of tea didn’t blow your mind. Natural healing takes time, but the rewards are worth it. Millions of Kratom users have found relief, including myself—and every one of them started by just taking that first step.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
The best place to stay in touch is our website: christophersorganicbotanicals.com. We regularly post blog content, lab results, and updates about Kratom research. People can also reach out directly—we love helping folks who are curious and ready to explore this journey. You can call or text us anytime.
Thank you so much for this deeply insightful and inspiring conversation.
Thank you, Lisa. I really appreciate the opportunity. It means a lot to share this information with your readers. Let’s keep educating and empowering others—together.
